It s good to know Americans still speak without fear, but I'll bet many more remain silent expecting our institutions to rise to the challenge of Islam. I thank Thompson for finally giving voice to the non-Muslim public. It was a breath of fresh air.

The concerns expressed by Carter and Weatherby come after columnist Dick Yarbrough's much-ballyhooed, but finally compromising interview with a panel of Muslims, his impressions of which were published in a series of recent Banner-Herald columns. Though Yarbrough chided the Muslim community, his columns essentially gave the show to the Muslims.

The one letter I saw in support of Yarbrough ("Religion isn't serving 21st-century world," Sept. 27) criticized Christianity as well, but failed to acknowledge Islam alone approves the use of intimidation, deceit and violence against non-believers.

In contrast, Weatherby clearly remembered a victim of 9/11. I stand with him in wanting justice for that person murdered by devoted Muslims, no matter whom it offends.